15th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival

February 25, 2017

Cape Coral is home to the largest known population of the Florida Burrowing Owl which is a species of special concern. These pint sized birds burrow underground where they nest from early February through mid-July and are now the official city bird of Cape Coral.

Join us at this family fun filled event which celebrates the start of the burrowing owl nesting season and all of Cape Coral’s natural wildlife treasures.

Festival highlights include environmental and wildlife organizations with educational exhibits and live animals, bus tours to local burrowing owl burrows, demonstrations on burrowing owl burrow maintenance and starter burrows. There will be on site speakers with wildlife presentations and live birds of prey. Enjoy a tour through the live interactive butterfly house and learn about their host and nectar plants. Artists, photographers and craft vendors of all things natural, native and wild will have lovely items for sale. Children will enjoy the free arts and crafts activities at the Children’s Creative Corner. Also on site will be music and food vendors, so plan to spend the day.

Admission is $5 donation for ages 16 and older with free parking. Event proceeds will go toward local wildlife protection, preservation and education.

If that isn't enough, we have a special tour just for photographers. This tour leaves early in the morning to catch that "first light". On board will be an experienced photographer to give you tips on how to photograph these beautiful owls. For more information visit our PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR page. Space is limited to reserve your spot today!

Alligators

Gators’

Throughout its tourist history, Florida has been famous for its alligators. People from all over the world come to visit, and many of them want to see an alligator. Cape Coral has its fair share of alligators, and for the most part, live their own quite lives in the numerous canals in the City. But as with other wildlife, as the population grows, so does the problems with alligators. Reports of alligators killing small pets, and being found in swimming pools and back yards have been reported over the years, but fortunately, none of the 24 people killed by alligators in Florida have been in Cape Coral.

Watch as a 600 pound alligator is removed from a Cape Coral Canal. [Fox News Video]

Make no mind, ALLIGATORS ARE DANGEROUS! One should never approach an alligator from any distance. While they are not particularly fast runners on land, they are quick, and can easily do some serious harm if approached. They can grow to over 14 feet long and weigh over 1000 pounds, and have very powerful jaws. They are considered an apex predator, with very few enemies.

It is against the law to feed alligators!

Fines and jail time can be imposed if you are caught feeding an alligator.

Once an alligator becomes a nuisance, it is not relocated but euthanized.

ADVICE TO REMEMBER

“Alligators are fascinating creatures and should by all means be enjoyed as part of the natural beauty of our region. But please remember that they are wild animals and should be respected as such. Once they become too familiar with people, they lose their fear of humans, necessitating their removal from the area for the safety of everyone concerned. A few precautions on our part can help both humans and alligators co-exist safely.”

–Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons, SREL – Director of Outreach

Alligators are just one of the wonderful wildlife species that can be found in the City. Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, does not actively protect or care for our local alligators, but does offer information on alligator safety and how to report nuisance alligators.

CCFW Calendar

Butterfly Stepping Stones

CCFW – Proud Member of Florida SEE

Florida Society for Ethical Tourism is the professional authority for the ecotourism industry in Florida. It established and maintains a professional code of ecotourism ethics in order to encourage an awareness and stewardship of Florida's natural heritage.”

Important Note about Hotel Reservations

Book your hotel reservations for anywhere in the world and 5% will be donated to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Help protect Florida's wildlife by using the following link to book your hotel stays. wildlifefoundationofflorida.com/birding